Shimla, June 1
Three devotees lost lives while taking a bath in the Yamuna River near Paonta Sahib Gurudwara Ghat.
The victims, identified as Dhirendra Singh, Ajit, and Abhishek, were residents of Dera Bassi of Punjab. This tragic event highlights a grim pattern that has persisted for over a decade, with more than 56 lives lost to the treacherous waters of the Yamuna in the last ten years, most of whom were young and under the age of 18.
Despite the recurring tragedies, there has been a noticeable lack of proactive measures from public representatives to address and mitigate these fatal incidents. Proposals for safety measures, such as the installation of nets and chains along the river, have been made but never implemented.
Approximately nine years ago, a proposal by former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh allocated 10 lakh rupees for the construction of a ghat in the area. However, no progress or explanation has been provided regarding the utilization of these funds.
In the latest incident, SDM Gunjit Cheema arrived at the scene to oversee the recovery efforts. Local divers were tasked with retrieving the bodies, which were eventually found. The police have registered a case and taken the bodies into custody.
This tragic loss of life is not isolated to Paonta Sahib. The Sirmour district has been particularly affected, with reports of three more individuals missing in the river.
Additionally, the ongoing heatwave in the state has exacerbated the situation, with eight people losing their lives due to reckless swimming and bathing in swollen rivers. Only yesterday, two individuals drowned in the BBMB canal under similar circumstances.
The recurring nature of these incidents calls for immediate and effective intervention. It is imperative for the authorities to implement safety measures along the rivers and educate the public about the dangers of swimming in unsafe waters. The installation of nets and chains, along with regular patrolling and warning signage, could significantly reduce the risk of drowning. Furthermore, a thorough investigation into the utilization of previously allocated funds for safety measures and infrastructure is essential.
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